Premier Bank Accepts National Award in New York City

DUBUQUE, IA— Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, awarded Premier Bank in Dubuque, Iowa with a 2013 BCA 10: Best Businesses Partnering with the Arts in America award, on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at the Central Park Boathouse in New York City. Representing Premier Bank at the awards gala was Andrew Mozena, senior vice president of retail banking, Tasha Lippold, marketing director, Dr. Darryl Mozena, Premier Bank board member, and Jordan DeGree, the bank’s nominator and executive director at Matter Creative Center.

Premier Bank has been committed to supporting the arts and culture scene since its inception 15 years ago, donating 40% of its philanthropic budget to help fuel arts and cultural initiatives in the Dubuque area. “We believe arts and culture not only improve our community’s broader economic outlook, but create a welcoming sense of place and desirable quality of life. Premier Bank understands the essential role creativity has in growing businesses and spurring innovation. We promote the growth, education, health and overall well-being of the Dubuque Community,” said Jeff Mozena, president and CEO of Premier Bank.

City of Dubuque Mayor, Roy Buol, also acknowledged Premier Bank’s support. “Premier’s understanding of the economic impact of the arts is notable. As the City discovered in the economic impact study conducted through Americans for the Arts in 2011, arts, culture and heritage non-profits are an annual $47 million dollar industry in the City of Dubuque—one that supports 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $5 million in local and state revenue,” said Buol. “Premier Bank’s participation in the arts is a superb model for others,” he said.

Much of this recognition and honor is a reflection of the staff at Premier Bank. During his acceptance speech at the awards gala, Andrew Mozena stated, “any business can simply write a check and go on with their day, but Premier is different—our employees really get behind the initiatives by dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours each year while bringing enthusiasm to the causes the bank supports…that’s the real difference, our people.”

Tasha Lippold, marketing director at Premier Bank, had an especially memorable experience. “Having the opportunity to network with a broad spectrum of influential business people who truly understand what philanthropy and arts can do for a community was invaluable,” said Lippold. “A personal highlight was meeting and speaking with John and Mary Pappajohn. My family recently spent nearly two months in the ‘John Pappajohn Pavilion’ at the University of Iowa Hospital as my 49-year-old mother (Linda Ginter) recovered from a ruptured brain aneurysm and stroke. Mr. and Mrs. Pappajohn were truly humbled when I thanked them for all their support in the great state of Iowa.”

Premier is a community bank committed to providing attractive account options with cutting-edge technology while supporting Dubuque’s civic, educational and charitable organizations. Premier Bank has $250 million in assets and three locations in Dubuque.